Helping Students Find Their Way
As a Career Advisor in the Midland University Career Studio, Cailin Brashear’s role is to help students carve a path into a future vocation.
It’s a position she can easily relate to because not that long ago, Cailin herself was one of those students seeking advice on what awaited down the road.
“About a month after I arrived at Midland as a transfer student, my advisor sent me to the Personal Career Development Center (previous name for Career Studio) to explore career paths. Next thing I know, I’m in Connie Kreikemeier’s (former director) office on the verge of tears, talking about all the things I wanted to do and unsure how I was ever going to choose. I guess Connie saw something in me that I couldn’t see in myself because the next semester, she invited that lost, teary-eyed transfer student to be a part of the inaugural team of peer career coaches in the newly-renamed Career Studio.
“My experience in that role, and having Connie as a mentor, is what planted the seed of higher education as a career path. Along with Connie, people like Brenda Wilberding (former Career Studio director) and Liah Burke (Assistant Director of Residence Life Programming) showed me the heart of working in higher education. They showed me how to work alongside our students and give them the support they need.”
Fast forward four years later, and Cailin is meeting with many students just like her who might have an idea of where they see themselves after graduation but need a little boost along the way. “Thinking about jobs and trying to answer the question of what you want to be when you grow up is such a daunting task, and by the time students see us, they’re stressed and maybe a little overwhelmed. I love having the opportunity to be a friendly face to help them navigate so they don’t have to do this alone. It’s rewarding to work with a student and help ease those feelings of stress and uncertainty, but it’s even better when I see those students out and about and hear they got accepted into the internship program they wanted or that they received multiple job offers for jobs they were excited about.”
Beyond helping students, Cailin loves the way Midland helps the community in a variety of ways. “I’ve always been really big into community service and involvement, so it really makes me feel fulfilled to be surrounded by students, faculty, and staff that share that drive to give back. Sometimes, the work I do connecting students with opportunities to give back feels more special than the appointments focused on employment. I just love seeing our students get involved in things they’re passionate about.”
Cailin knows all about variety when it comes to career choices, and it’s a big reason why when she’s not brewing up ideas for students, she’s brewing up something else. “I love coffee, so I spend my Saturdays working as a barista at Milady Coffeehouse. It’s a crazy dream of mine that if I weren’t working in higher education, I’d love to own and operate a coffee shop that doubles as a community action hub.”
When she isn’t at work, Cailin likes to stay busy and enjoys baking, reading, and spending time outside.
Cailin feels blessed to be part of the decision-making process for students and to establish relationships she hopes to extend beyond the walls of the Career Studio. “I love it when I get to build relationships that are more than just helping them write a resume or find a job. I love it when students come back to say hello or update us on their job or whatever else may be going on in their lives.”
While finding a job is the end goal of the college experience, Cailin hopes students take time to enjoy the process and not get caught up in the chase. “Have fun and do what you love. Your time as a student can feel overwhelming and stressful, but it’s important to remember you are more than just a student. It’s important to make time for yourself and continue to do the things you love, and hopefully find some new interests too.”
Getting to know Cailin Brashear:
Something people might not know about you: In addition to working at Midland, I’m also a full-time graduate student in Nebraska Wesleyan University’s Masters of Social Work Program.
Snack that you can’t resist: Kettle Corn; it’s like a top-five food for me! It’s salty, and it’s sweet – what’s not to love?!
When flipping channels, I’ll always stop to watch this: Gosh, I can’t remember the last time I watched live TV… But my streaming services would tell you I’m a huge fan of documentaries and that I’ve seen Gilmore Girls more times than I’d like to admit!
What artist dominates your playlist? Noah Kahan, LANY, The 1975, Phoebe Bridgers, Mt. Joy – the list could go on forever. Pretty much anything you’d find on the Indie tab of Spotify!
What is your ideal vacation? My parents live in a cabin on a small acreage in the mountains of Montana, and I absolutely love it there. I try to make it up to see them a few times a year. I love hiking and kayaking, and all the outdoorsy stuff, and it’s so much more fun surrounded by mountains and pine trees.
What is your most used emoji? The cheeky smiley face, I feel like it just exudes warm, happy vibes, and that’s what I aspire to bring to situations 😊
